Zion Williamson Allegedly Throwing Gang Signs Infuriates NBA Fans: “Officially a Lost Cause”

New Orleans Pelicans star Zion Williamson has been in the news for reasons other than his play on the basketball court.

Zion Williamson Allegedly Throwing Gang Signs Infuriates NBA Fans: “Officially a Lost Cause”

Zion Williamson using hand signs (Image via FirstSportz)

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When Zion Williamson came into the NBA, he was regarded as the player who would take over from LeBron James as the next face of the league. He had the skill, the charisma, and the backing of both the league as well as the media.

After recovering from an injury, the Duke standout started to add to the belief that he was the next ‘Chosen One’. Setting an NBA rookie record 10 consecutive 20 point games and matching the great Michael Jordan on rookie statistics had the league buzzing.

In his sophomore season, he notched his 1st All-Star appearance. But the following year, injuries dampened hopes of Pelicans fans that their team would finally break their playoff miseries. Many believed his conditioning was the prime cause for these injuries.

He bounced back with another All-Star appearance the following year, then again struggled with injuries this past season. Fans believed he was going through a rough patch in his career and could continue to build towards a stellar career.

Off the court, his eating habits were criticized. His relationship with an adult film star was widely trolled. Then recently, some assault allegations threaten to ruin his career. Now, some pictures of the 25-year-old have sent the internet in flames.

Those photos show the North Carolina native along with other men wearing similar towels and jeans. Usually, when men wearing similar clothes band together, it is often referred to as a part of gang culture. Then there was Zion Williamson’s hand signs, which, even if innocently done, depict gang language.

Fans shake their heads watching Zion Williamson’s antics

It is possible that Zion Williamson was just showing off things that his friends do. Moreover, these photos came to light after one of those men posted it. But fans noticed the New Orleans Pelicans star’s comment, where he used emoticons depicting ‘strength’.

Fans believe all the purple towels, the matching jeans, and the hand signs all pointed towards possible gang culture. They believe the 25-year-old already has enough on his plate, and the last thing he should do is to publicly latch himself to anything controversial.

Criticisms about his lack of passion for the game of basketball are already part of NBA folklore. These posts will only go on to fuel those criticisms, as he has yet to make his mark in the league. Check out examples of those reactions below.

Some fans tried to show support by suggesting the hand sign might not be related to gang culture, and that Zion Williamson’s critics were just looking for ways to get at him. However, there is a growing fear among basketball fans that the superstar might be more interested in life outside the game.

Zion Williamson could be walking on eggshells next season

The New Orleans Pelicans have displayed tremendous patience when it comes to Zion Williamson. Over the past 6 years, the forward has played in less number of games than he was paid to play. Injuries have become a recurring problem, as he struggles to stay fit for a variety of reasons.

Pelicans hope Zion Williamson delivers this upcoming season
Pelicans hope Zion Williamson delivers this upcoming season (Image via Barstool Sports/X)

There is already enough pressure for him to get in shape and perform as per the hype that surrounded him. Now, the clock is ticking on his career, as his team hope they can get some semblance of star power out of him.

If he struggles with health or does not fulfil his potential, the Pelicans organization might look at the possibility of cutting their losses. They could entertain the idea of garnering trade assets, which they cold use to bring in other players to build a competitor.

Therefore, time is running down on the Duke star’s chances of having a stellar career. If he performs, he could garner another massive contract. If not, he could be looking at possibly playing elsewhere if his team decides they are better off without him.

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